Birmingham 'Frankie' Drug Line Duo Jailed After Phone Blunder Exposes Operation
Two county lines drug dealers from Birmingham have been sentenced to prison for supplying large swathes of the city with cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine, causing significant misery for users and communities. The Frankie drugs line, operated by Ishaaq Ayaz and his accomplice Numaan Mahmood, was active daily from 9am to 9pm, targeting areas including the city centre, Balsall Heath, Moseley, and Selly Oak.
Extensive Drug Operation Uncovered
The Frankie line began in August 2023 and was a major Class A drugs operation. West Midlands Police investigators discovered that the phone number linked to the line received over 81,000 calls, made 28,000 calls, and sent and received 25,000 text messages between August 2023 and October 2024. The number was used to send messages to a large number of people, announcing they were open for business and able to supply good quality drugs.
Police found that Ishaaq Ayaz, the main operator, made a critical mistake by using his personal phone in connection with the drugs line. Through extensive mobile phone analysis, investigators were able to show that Ayaz's personal phone was often with the phone used to run the Frankie line, leading to his identification and arrest.
Arrests and Seizures
In October 2024, while officers were raiding a city centre property linked to Ayaz, Numaan Mahmood arrived at the scene and was arrested. Mahmood was found with wraps of drugs, an iPhone used to run the Frankie line, and hundreds of pounds in cash on him. Although Ayaz was not at the flat during the raid, police seized around £7,000 in cash, Class A drugs, and scales.
In total, the investigation led to the seizure of 495 wraps and 222g of cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine, along with £9,256 in cash. The operation involved one person remaining with the phone to take orders before contacting a runner who would deliver the drugs, highlighting the organized nature of the county lines network.
Sentencing and Police Response
Both men pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. They were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, March 11. Ishaaq Ayaz, aged 26, of Brighton Road, Balsall Heath, was jailed for seven years and four months. Numaan Mahmood, aged 20, of Kingswood Road, Moseley, was jailed for two years and three months.
Det Insp Mark Robinson, of the County Lines Taskforce, stated, "This was a significant drugs operation, operating across a large part of Birmingham and trading in Class A drugs, and the misery that they bring to users and communities. We continue to work around the clock to disrupt drugs networks across the West Midlands."
The sentences coincide with West Midlands Police marking a successful county lines intensification week, which saw more than 160 arrests and the closure of several drugs lines. A police spokesperson emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of county lines, such as high numbers of texts or phone calls, missing school, or unexplained new possessions, urging the public to have conversations if they suspect involvement.
